Four years ago, the debut novella Timro Ma (I Am Yours) was published, and by a pleasant coincidence, I came across this book just a few months ago.
Featuring young protagonists and written in an accessible, heartfelt style, the novella explores the emotional landscape of young hearts—especially those grappling with the realities of attraction and love, migration and separation.
Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing era, it sheds light on how the desire to study or settle abroad affects emotional bonds and relationships. At its heart, Timro Ma is the story of Priya and Rahul—two schoolmates whose love blossoms during their teenage years but fades before it can fully flourish. The novella beautifully captures school crushes, the excitement of passing the SLC (School Leaving Certificate) exam, and the youthful dream of going abroad.
Reminiscing 90s
The story touches on relatable moments: checking newspapers for exam results, borrowing a friend’s bike to impress a girlfriend, the thrill of a first kiss, and the stirrings of attraction. The narrative takes readers back to the Nepal of two decades ago, particularly Kathmandu, capturing the mood and social texture of the time. These scenes are sure to stir nostalgia among readers who lived through the ’90s and early 2000s in Nepal.
To understand the storyline of the novella, two expressions made by Rahul and Priya at different times and places are telling enough:
“Rahul! You go. Build your future. If the love is true, and if it’s written in my destiny to be yours, then I will surely be yours—no matter which corner of the world you may reach. But if you’re not in my destiny, then even if I try to hold on tightly, it will be of no use. Who doesn’t wish for their loved one to stay with them? Everyone has their own desires, and no one can escape what fate has in store. You go—with my best wishes. Just remember your Priya when time allows.”
“I haven’t forgotten you. I’m abroad. It’s just that responsibilities and busyness have increased. Just know this—memories and love still come to mind. But now, one must be able to change with time. You too, focus on your work. Just sending many messages and talking won’t change anything.”—a message from Rahul
Ugly side of long distance relationship
Through these characters, the author shows how young love slowly fades in a foreign land, as responsibilities take over and long-distance relationships become difficult to sustain. In addition, this fate-based expression from Priya represents many young lovers in Nepal, who are preparing to bid farewell to their beloved amid uncertainty about the future of their relationships.
These sentiments resonate deeply with those who have experienced the emotional costs of migration and distance-relationship.
While the novella is engaging and evocative, it could have delved deeper into character development, their relationships, and internal conflicts. A potential love triangle—hinted at by the introduction of a third character, Dibyaan—was not fully explored. This subplot could have added depth and emotional tension to the narrative.
Commendable debut
The author has chosen a promising title for her novella—I Am Yours—but readers may feel that none of the characters demonstrate the level of determination and perseverance the title suggests. However, as the novella portrays teenage attraction and young love, such characterization can be justified. Still, readers might expect stronger characters and more supporting subplots to reinforce the main story, its decisions, and emotional arcs.
Despite these limitations, Timro Ma is a commendable debut. It offers a heartfelt portrayal of young love and longing, especially relevant to teenagers and young adults. Filled with the echoes of teenage romance and the heartbreak of growing up, this novel offers both a mirror and a message for young readers navigating the crossroads of love and life.
Samu Upreti, a Melbourne-based Nepali writer, arrives with fresh possibilities for Nepali literature. The novel is now also available in English, titled I Am Yours, for English readers. The book contributes meaningfully to the growing body of contemporary literature in both Nepal and Australia. For this, Samu Upreti deserves heartfelt congratulations. In this light, we can look forward to more refined and mature works from her in the years to come.
Book Title: Timro Ma
Author: Samu Upreti
Language: Nepali
Genre: Novel
Publisher: NAI Prakashan, Nepal
Published Year: 2021
Price: NRs 200
Pages: 88
